Once again, God’s predictions come to pass.
I was stunned to read the following from Fundamentals of Christian Education, pages 317-318. It reads like the morning news.
“The land boom [‘housing bubble’] has cursed this country, extravagant prices have been paid for lands bought on credit; then the land must be cleared, and more money is hired; a house to be built calls for more money, and then interest with open mouth swallows up all the profits. Debts accumulate, and then come the … failure of banks and … the foreclosure of mortgages. Thousands have been turned out of employment; families lose their little all, they borrow and borrow, and then have to give up their property and come out penniless. Much money and hard labor have been put into farms [houses] bought on credit…. The occupants lived in hope of becoming real owners, and it might have been so, but for the failure of banks throughout the country.” Today, add credit card debt and equity loans.
“Merchants are failing [retail bankruptcies], families are suffering for food and clothing [careless spending habits]. No work presents itself [high unemployment]. But the holidays are just as numerous. Their amusements are entered into as eagerly. All who can do so will spend their hard-earned [money] for a taste of pleasure, for strong drink, or some other indulgence….”
Another statement from the 9th volume of the Testimonies for the Church, page 13, comes to mind. “Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, … and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis….”
Does all this sound familiar? Considering these things were revealed to us through Ellen G. White over a hundred years ago, we shouldn’t be surprised. But God has promised to take care of His children if we follow His prophetic counsel for these last days: live in the country; grow your own food; get out of debt; practice economy. We can trust His promise, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” Psalm 37:26.
In times of economic stress, faithfulness to God is our best plan. He knows how to solve all our problems. Those who follow simple living will soon be thankful that they followed the wisdom of God.
